Perhaps they should just move to a standardized upgrade system available to everyone including non-status, but pricing and upgrade windows vary according to status and fare booked.

And, then our upgrade certs could have a face value - perhaps based in Aeroplan point currency so that we can use them to upgrade Aeroplan bookings too.

Just brainstorming here. I want our airline to be successful AND I want to sit up front every time I fly with them!